into our quart mess tins, further along buttered rolls and
cakes were piled high upon large trays, and at the last
sector cigarettes of all varieties, chocolate, and nougat
were obtainable. It was a splendid array of good things
served by the ladies of our own land. Though, of course, we
needed and enjoyed the hot tea and rolls, it was as much joy
to hear our own tongue so sweetly spoken. The change from
the deep voices of our officers and comrades thrilled us,
reminding us of sisters and sweethearts just a few miles
away, across the Channel, and yet so far off, for there was
little chance of leave for a long time. What a pretty
picture those ladies made in the midst of the khakied crowd,
passing quickly from one to another with a smile for all! I
am sure every one was over-stocked with chocolates and
cigarettes, for we all kept returning to the counter to buy
something just for the sake of a smile or a 'How are you
getting on, Tommy?' from one of our hostesses. The whistle
blew and we all made a rush for our trucks. The ladies stood
in a body at the end of the platform, and as each truck
passed waved and wished us good luck. The noise we made was
deafening; we cheered and cheered until the little group of
England's unknown heroines on the platform passed from
sight. Our hearts were very full.

"And so we passed down into the Somme district, the first
English soldiers to hold that part of the line."

Here are a few typical extracts from Sydney Baxter's letters about
this time.